|
On Sale Now!
|
|
|
 |
Sea Kayaker Magazine’s Photography Guidelines
(click here to download PDF version)
(See Writers Guidelines for descriptions of Article Types.)
NOTE: Photos that have appeared online may not be accepted or will be considered previously published and will be paid at a lower rate than the rate applied to unpublished images (to be determined by the editor based on web presentation and exposure).
Accepted Image Formats (in order of preference)
- High-resolution digital files: We prefer low-resolution JPEGs for initial selection and approval. If an article is approved for publication, we will request high-resolution files in JPEG or TIFF format.
- High-quality 35mm color slides, negatives or larger transparencies
NOTE: contributors may supply scans of their transparencies (see #1 above); otherwise, scanning costs will be deducted from contributor payments. Most processing labs will supply a CD containing lo-res JPEG versions of your images for a small cost, if you request it upon developing.
Image Quality/Composition
- Sharp focus and good, clear composition—subjects should be attractively framed and easy to “read” by viewers
- Good contrast with rich, vivid color
- Proper exposure (no overexposed or underexposed images)
- Interesting subject matter
- A dynamic quality (for example, an active paddler versus a “posing” paddler)
- An interesting perspective or angle (we rarely use bow shots; often, the best photos are taken from a different eye level than that of sitting in a kayak or standing on shore
- Photos that support the article (there should be a good selection of images to match locations/events mentioned in the text)
- A portrayal of safe, correct kayaking practices (PFDs should be worn in most cases)
FEATURE ARTICLES
For Journey and Destination articles, we prefer approximately 40 images to choose from. If you have significantly more, we suggest eliminating those of poor or questionable quality. A minimum of 20 images will be considered if the shots are directly in keeping with the guidelines below. Requirements for “Other” features vary. Sea Kayaker will assign accompanying illustrations as necessary. If interested, keep our Cover Photography Guidelines in mind while taking photos for feature articles.
Destination Articles
In order of importance (meaning, the categories we’d like the most photos to choose from), here’s what we look for in Destination photography:
- On-the-water shots of paddlers actively paddling, with a scenic backdrop unique to the paddling location.
- Panoramic or scenic shots that don’t necessarily show paddlers, but that give a feel for the geography of the area.
- Medium-focal-length shots of paddlers doing things like reading charts, setting up camp, launching, fishing, exploring caves, or something specific to the area.
- Shots of flora, fauna, scenery or culture particular to the area paddled.
Journey Articles
Same guidelines as for Destination articles but with an emphasis on shots that capture moments in the narrative and any images describing an area’s unique culture as discussed in the text: the people, their dwellings, handicrafts, etc.
DEPARTMENTS
See Writer’s Guidelines for descriptions of individual Departments. General photo quality should be good and easy to “read.” Contact editorial staff for more information.
Last Glance
The last page of Sea Kayaker magazine features a single photo or photo series providing an unusual perspective, along with a text-based description. Send your unique, whimsical, humorous and/or thought-provoking sea kayak–related images in the following formats: High-quality digital image, 35mm slide or negative, excellent-quality print photo.
COVER GUIDELINES
Vertical orientation required for cover images
Accepted Image Formats
- Digital images: High-quality digital images must be a minimum size of 8" x 11" at 300 dpi in their original format (please do not up-res images)
- High-quality 35mm color slides (larger format transparencies OK)
General Comments
Following are general guidelines for Sea Kayaker covers; however, we are always willing to consider other possibilities. Be creative!
- Cover theme should clearly depict sea kayaking; images should include a striking central subject that is clear, well-lit and easy to “read” by the viewer.
- Color and contrast should be rich and well-defined.
- Pictures taken from unique angles or perspectives are generally more visually interesting than standard eye-level “landscape” images taken with a mid-frame horizon line.
- Faces are good. Not all cover images have to include faces, but readers like being able to “connect” with a cover subject.
- Photos with people should appear candid, not staged or posed.
- Scenes should be appealing and inviting to the majority of paddlers. Avoid extremely cold or harsh conditions.
- A cover image should include background area simple enough that the magazine logo and cover text can be clearly read over it (not too much texture and/or color variation). Keep this in mind when framing your pictures—it’s always a good idea to include some space around your subject.
NOTE: The Sea Kayaker logo always appears on the top portion of the cover, covering approximately the top 1/5 of the image; cover text generally appears in the area below the logo but is not limited to this space. We may also put additional text over the bottom of the image or elsewhere on the page. PFDs should appear on paddlers under most circumstances.
(Cover images must not appear to endorse a particular product or products by way of including company logos or product names. To comply with this policy, our production department may alter final digital files as necessary to remove logos appearing on kayaks, clothing and equipment.)
Submitting Images to Sea Kayaker
All images should be previously unpublished unless special permission is given by Sea Kayaker’s editor. For examples of appropriate images, see our current issue, available through many bookstores and newsstands. To obtain a current or back issue, visit our website at http://www.seakayakermag.com, or phone 206-789-9536.
Please contact Sea Kayaker’s editorial department with questions or for more information at 206-789-1326. Low-resolution sample digital files can be sent in JPEG format via email to: editorial@seakayakermag.com – images can be sent via USPS to: Sea Kayaker Editorial Dept.; P.O. Box 17029; Seattle, WA, 98127 (if a physical address is needed, use: 6012 Seaview Ave. NW; Seattle, WA 98107).
Sea Kayaker is not responsible for any unsolicited materials received. To ensure return of your materials, enclose a self-addressed envelope with correct postage. |
|
|
